Previous available in Japan only, Eric Martin's mini CD "Pure" has now been released in Europe. The CD contains acoustic versions of songs covering Eric's whole career. From his first solo album, onto his time in
Mr. Big and the circle ends with Eric's recent album released last year.
The album opens chronologically with the title track from Eric's first solo album
Sucker For A Pretty Face. There's a happy up-tempo shuffle rhythm to the song, which along with the great riff and great chorus makes this a strong opener.
Bigger Man is a ballad with some really sad lyrics about not being the "the one". "She wants a bigger man - just not me".
There Goes the Neighborhood is among the best tracks. The bluesy verse and the slide guitar remind me of Bonnie Raitt. The vocals are doubled, which provides the song with a full body. Is it Eric's wife singing or Eric singing really high?
The album's middle part consisting of
Kisses Stain and
Pictures are the weakest material on the album. Both are well performed, but both songs lack a great hook-line and really melodic choruses to capture my excitement.
Big Love has a fantastic melody and chord pattern, which provide the song with lots of emotion. Eric's vocals are fantastic and really unfold his talent on this gem. The piano contributes to the great atmosphere of
Big Love. The song was originally featured on
Mr. Big's debut album. An album I avoided in the past, but if all songs are that great I need to purchase it ASAP. A brilliant song and absolute highlight of the album.
Promise Her the Moon is another product of
Mr. Big's hit making machine.
Mr. Big played it safe and wrote some ballads in the vein of
To Be with You on the follow up to "Lean into it". A good ballad that looses nothing performed acoustic.
Since the first 7 songs have been stripped back acoustic versions, the new version of
Fly sounds quite bombastic in comparison, almost like Meat Loaf.
Overall the album is well played by Eric Martin's great band. Eric' vocals are really strong and provides the songs with an extra dimension.
The only problem with these acoustic releases is - sometimes you have to be in the mood to listen to a whole album of laid back acoustic music. If you are not in the mood, the music does not capture your interest and is soon transformed into background music.
The mini album has a playing time of 36 minutes and is highly recommended for any Eric Martin,
Mr. Big or acoustic rock fan.
Written by
Michael Wednesday, August 20, 2003
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